Oweilayefa hat-trick inspires Bendel Insurance rout as Enyimba stumble in Aba

It was a statement performance from Bendel Insurance on Matchday 28 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as the Benin-based side overwhelmed Ikorodu City 4-0, while Enyimba were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat in Aba, Sport360NG reports.

Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City

Alex Oweilayefa stole the spotlight with a clinical hat-trick to power Bendel Insurance to an emphatic victory on home soil. The forward opened the scoring in the 15th minute, doubled the advantage 12 minutes later, and completed his treble just before the hour mark in the 59th minute.

Wisdom Udom had earlier joined the party, finding the net in the 24th minute to cap a ruthless first-half display. The comprehensive result underlined Insurance’s dominance and secured maximum points in convincing fashion.

Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United

Rangers cruised to a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Nasarawa United, with both goals arriving in the opening half-hour.

Godwin Obaje broke the deadlock in the 18th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo extended the lead eight minutes later, putting the result beyond doubt early on.

Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United

Bayelsa United claimed bragging rights in the South-South derby, edging Rivers United 1-0.

The decisive moment came in the 13th minute when Temple Emekayi inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, a setback Rivers United were unable to recover from despite sustained efforts.

Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United

Remo Stars secured a routine 2-0 victory over Katsina United thanks to a quickfire brace from Haruna Hadi.

The forward struck twice in the space of two minutes, in the 60th and 62nd, to put the contest beyond the visitors and seal all three points.

Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves

There was little to separate Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves as both sides battled to a goalless stalemate.

Despite creating openings, neither team managed to find the cutting edge required to break the deadlock.

Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars

Shooting Stars claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Kano Pillars.

Sodiq Ibrahim put the hosts ahead in the 30th minute, while Qamar Adegoke doubled the advantage in the 63rd. Mustapha Jibrin reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, but Pillars could not find an equaliser late on.

Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat

In Aba, Enyimba were left frustrated as they were held by Kun Khalifat.

James Ekebuike silenced the home crowd with a 38th-minute strike to give the visitors the lead. The former champions pressed for a response and eventually found it five minutes from time, with Ekene Awazie netting in the 85th minute to rescue a share of the spoils.

The result dents Enyimba’s momentum, while Kun Khalifat depart Aba with a valuable point.